‘Indeed, Regier and the Sabres have experienced more disappointments than successes in terms of immediate impact since the lockout. The Sabres are among the worst in terms of players’ numbers dropping. They have failed to reach the NHL average in every category of trades and signings.’

‘“The quality is there,” Regier said about the market. “The quantity isn’t there, and so there will be an awful lot of competition for really very few players, so most teams are going to fail in unrestricted free agency. Hopefully, we’re not one of them.”’

‘Whether or not Grigorenko proves ready, Regier added that the Sabres aren’t done stockpiling centers this offseason. After using two first-round picks — Buffalo also traded up to select Zemgus Girgensons with the 14th pick — and four of their eight picks on centers, Regier is now turning his attention to acquiring experienced players either through free agency or by trade.’

‘“Right now all my family is in North America so I already went to Russia for my brother’s wedding so for the rest of the summer, I will stay in North America. He will stay in Buffalo at least through Rookie Camp which is July 8-13 and maybe longer than that.’

‘”Girgenson’s size, strength and intangibles are all great news for Buffalo – as in the span of two picks, the Sabres jump from among the worst teams in terms of prospect depth at center, to the best.”‘

‘”When that happens, as it’s happened in the past with someone like Tyler Myers, it’s a bonus, you recognize it,” said General Manager Darcy Regier. “They get an opportunity to play, but it’s not something you want to fully have to count on.”‘

‘“We weren’t sure if we were going to get a forward or a defense, but he was too high up on our board there,” said Kevin Devine, the Sabres’ director of amateur scouting. “We saw him, and we really liked what we saw. He’s going to be a real tough guy to play against. He’s good at moving the puck. Ron Rolston called him a warrior.”’

‘“I’m not sure if it’s the influence of the L.A. Kings with their size winning the playoffs,” Devine said. “With the Ennises, the Roys and the Gerbes, we’re kind of staying away from those guys until the outlook of our team changes a little bit.”’

‘“If you look at his stats, they’re not very good,” he said. “Halfway through the season they fired their coach. They got a coach there, Greg Gilbert, that Darcy and myself have both played with. He thinks he’s going to be a good third-line center in the National Hockey League. So he’s going to be a better skating Paul Gaustad.”’